Journal

Category: Contemplative Life

“Attachment and Indifference”

“Attachment and Indifference”

In this “Space for God,” Bill Haley guides us into the challenging but liberating practice of indifference.  In Ignatian spirituality, “indifference” is not a negative word, but simply means a lack of undue attachment to anything but God.  Bill walks us through a few...
“Everyday Beauty”

“Everyday Beauty”

In this “Space for God: Beauty,” Rev. Mary Gardner (Coracle Spiritual Director) invites us to consider how God speaks to us through encounters with everyday beauty. Drawing together visual art, photography, music, and Scripture, Mary guides us into a rich time of...
“Letting Wisdom Guide Us”

“Letting Wisdom Guide Us”

In this “Space for God,” Ken Wettig (Coracle Community Minister for the Shenandoah Valley) directs our attention to wisdom and its role in discernment. Drawing from Scripture, life, and George MacDonald, Ken guides us into an enriching time of reflection...
“Drawing Near to God”

“Drawing Near to God”

In this “Space for God: BIBLE,” Rev. Chris Lugo (Restoration Anglican Church) guides us through Hebrews 4 as he explores what it means for us to truly “draw near to God.” Given all the forces and voices seeking to draw us away from God, we hope this prayerful reminder...
“Christ in 10,000 Faces”

“Christ in 10,000 Faces”

On this, the 100th “Space for God” reflection, Rev. Bill Haley celebrates the tremendous gift these Tuesday morning gatherings have been over the past 2 years, and then, he guides us into a time of encounter with God through the presence of other people. ...
When God says, “Encore!”

When God says, “Encore!”

In this “Space for God” reflection, Danny Nasry (Coracle Community Minister) brings us into contact with the glorious over-abundance of God’s creation. Through water and daisies and even romanesco, Danny helps us slow down and let ourselves be awed...
“Prayer Lessons from Screwtape”

“Prayer Lessons from Screwtape”

In this “Space for God,” Drew Masterson (Center for Christian Study, UVA) offers a reading, reflection, and prayer exercise from C.S. Lewis’ famous book, The Screwtape Letters. Written from the perspective of a demon, Screwtape, giving advice on how...

The Gift of Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage is a centuries-old gift that Coracle embraces and fosters.  One of the gifts of ministering with Coracle is the freedom I have to partner with others in pursuing God in the company of others.  In 2019 I experienced the richness of the Virginia Slavery...
“My Path Illumine” with Ryan Scarberry

“My Path Illumine” with Ryan Scarberry

In this “Space for God: Beauty,” worship pastor Ryan Scarberry guides us through the classic hymn “Come Down O Love Divine.”  The hymn’s poetic lyrics and stirring melody invite us to consider the comforting, refining, beautiful presence...
Hope, In God’s Story

Hope, In God’s Story

In this “Space for God,” Ken Wettig (Coracle Community Minister) guides us through a reflection on the interplay between our hope and the story God is telling throughout the whole cosmos. Weaving together Scripture, Prayer, Tolkien, and music, Ken offers a...
The Habit of Hospitality

The Habit of Hospitality

At any time and in any culture, offering hospitality and inviting the stranger in is a powerful testimony to the love and welcome of God.  And, it’s a beautiful invitation for us as Christians. Searching Google for the definition of “hospitality” gives this, “the...
“Praying with Our Tears”

“Praying with Our Tears”

In this “Space for God” reflection, Rev. Abigail Whitehouse guides us through a prayerful exercise to help us embrace our places of tenderness in order to more deeply encounter our God who wept. Those who sow in tears will reap in joy, and we hope this...